Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 December 2012
152. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Education and Skills if he will arrange for FÁS to offer language courses to unemployed persons in Tallaght, Dublin 24; if he appreciates the importance of such courses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55594/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by FÁS that their Training Services in Tallaght focus on delivering vocational training and do not deliver programmes which solely focus on language skills.
I understand that students at third level currently have access to a wide range of foreign language courses that can be taken as core subjects or in combination with a range of other disciplines. Almost 150 places were made available on language courses under the Springboard 2012 programme in this regard. Information on all language courses is available on the Qualifax website: www.qualifax.ie.
Furthermore, under the Back to Education Initiative (BTEI), County Dublin VEC is providing 2 "English for speakers of other languages" (ESOL) courses at FETAC level 3 and 1 ESOL course at FETAC level 4 which are based in the Adult Education Service, Tallaght. They are also providing 2 ESOL courses at FETAC level 4 and 1 ISOL course at FETAC level 5 in Killinarden Enterprise Park, in partnership with Dodder Valley Partnership.
In addition unemployed people may also access Language Training programmes with assistance from the Training and Education Support Grant (TESG) which is administered by the Department of Social Protection.
